Venezuelan actor Edgar Ramirez plays the famous Panamanian boxer Robert Duran in the film, while Robert De Niro plays his trainer, the equally famous Ray Arcel. In the 1970s, Duran was the most feared figure in the boxing world. With his wild eyes, black hair, and vicious fighting style, Duran was a terrifying figure in the lightweight division. From 1972 to 1979, Duran was unstoppable in the boxing world. He won championships in at least three weight classes. The Panamanian boxer is the only boxer in the world who has fought across five different decades. Duran retired in 2002 at the age of 51. The film revolves around a legendary battle between Duran and another famous boxer, Sugar Ray Leonard. On November 25, 1980, the two fighters met for the second time in Louisiana. In their first fight seven months earlier, Duran narrowly defeated Leonard. Although the fight was very suspenseful, the referee unanimously decided that Duran won. In the second confrontation, the outcome would have been very different, but Duran called the referee "give up" in the eighth round, allowing Leonard to win the fight. Since then, Duran has become the most unpopular boxer in his home country, and he has spent many years rebuilding his reputation.